Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding.

I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... It was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.

Thinking of visiting Oxford?

Allow me to be your guide... and discover the history of Oxford with an Oxford historian.

I offer a wide range of guided walks around the city and university. These can be a general introduction to the history and architecture or looking at specific themes and subjects.

About Me

I am a Catholic and a historian based in Oxford, where I am a member of Oriel College. My research, for a long delayed D.Phil., is a study of Richard Fleming, Bishop of Lincoln in the second decade of the fifteenth century. I also work as a freelance tutor in History and as an independent tour guide.
I was received into the Church in 2005 and am a Brother of the External Oratory of St Philip Neri at the Oxford Oratory.

Search This Blog

Thursday, 24 July 2014

Please stand in Solidarity with Christians in Iraq

The other day I received this e-message from Aid to the Church in Need, and I am sharing it with readers.

URGENT PLEA FOR PRAYER – as more Christians in the
Middle East face exodus and exile, join with Iraqi Christians outside the
Houses of Parliament this Saturday (26 July), at 12
midday.

We at ACN appeal for your prayers
and solidarity, particularly for our brothers and sisters in Mosul, Iraq.
The Islamic State (formerly ISIS), which seized the city of Mosul, ordered
Christians to convert to Islam or pay the 'jizya' Islamic tax.
They were told failure to comply would mean "death by the sword".

More than 1,500 people have fled in
the last few days – having left almost all their possessions behind.
For the first time in 1,600 years, there have been no Masses or Liturgies
in Mosul, and reports have come in that an 1,800-year-old Syriac Catholic
Church was desecrated and burnt to the ground. Neville Kyrke-Smith,
National Director of Aid to the Church in Need UK, said "This is an
exodus in anguish as Christians flee terror into exile from their ancient
homelands – where for centuries they have built understanding and
trust between different communities. Just as in Biblical times, we cry with
them 'by the waters of Babylon' in tears and prayer."

Please join us in front of the
Houses of Parliament this Saturday (26 July) at 12 noon and take part in a
demonstration with Iraqi Christian communities, in support of those
suffering so much at this time. Neville writes: "If you cannot join us
in person then please join us in prayer at 12 midday by saying the Angelus
or the Rosary for all those who are suffering in the Middle
East."

In a message to all people of
goodwill, Patriarch Louis Raphael I Sako, Iraq’s most senior Catholic
leader, said: "It is truly unjust to treat Christians by rejecting them and
throwing them away, considering them as nothing."As a Catholic charity for
persecuted and other suffering Christians, Aid to the Church in Need
invites you to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
ACN is already offering emergency support – food, shelter and
medicine – to Christians in Nineveh who fled Mosul in the days that
followed the capture of the city and stands ready to do more. We are in
regular contact with both Patriarch Sako and Archbishop Amel Nona of Mosul.

Archbishop leads Christian
Iraqis"It
is truly unjust to treat Christians by rejecting them and throwing them
away, considering them as nothing. Another war would mean the end,
especially for us Christians"